Tahlequah, Oklahoma - Patricia Gail Jones Heaton, known simply to most as "Gail" was born on March 20, 1945 in Stockton, California to Edgar and Goldie (Bohanan) Jones. Gail passed away suddenly at the age of 80 years on Sunday June 8th, 2025 at her home.

Her parents met and married in Stockton while working in the naval shipyards during the war and returned to the Tahlequah area in 1945. As a child Gail attended grade school at Double Springs and afterward Tahlequah Junior and Senior High School graduating in 1962. She then attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in 1965.

In 1978 she married her husband Tommie Lee Heaton and they shared the beauty of a life lived in unity in the home and farm they built on Jones Road. Together they embodied the strength found in teamwork and the fulfillment of life lived in partnership. They would enjoy many wonderful years together until his passing in February 2024. You rarely saw them apart as they shared a deep bond of love, dedication and companionship. Tommie and Gail enjoyed traveling together and spent many winters in the south of Texas in their RV. They took pleasure in the outdoors with farming, tractor pulling and participating in volunteer activities.

Gail was a breast cancer survivor and participated in many Relays for Life. For several years she walked countless miles up and down Jones Road getting her exercise. Gail was deep-rooted with a strong work ethic from both of her parents, which was shown not only through her career but also in her daily work on their farm. Throughout her life Gail spent numerous hours working outdoors on their farm, gardening and yard work, as she took great pleasure in keeping busy. Gail was also an avid reader, enjoyed watching sports and time spent with friends and family.

Gail previously worked at Southwestern Bell in Tahlequah and was employed as a teacher at Tahlequah Public Schools from the 1980's until her retirement in 2000.

Gail is survived by her stepson Mike Heaton of Grove, OK; Grandson Blaine Heaton and wife Haley of Springtown, TX; Great Grandsons Tobias, Silas and Roland, also of Springtown, TX. Niece Michelle Spencer and husband Chris of Fort Gibson, OK and nephew Steven Jones of Meeker, OK along with great niece and nephews and numerous cousins. Gail's life was also enhanced with special friends Vince and Terri Vestal and Rick Bailey, who were a significant help to her in her later years.

Gail was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 46 years, Tommie Lee Heaton; parents Edgar and Goldie Jones, paternal grandparents Harve and Myrtle (Bruner) Jones; maternal grandparents Monroe and Lillie (Sanders) Bohanan and several Aunts and Uncles.